Insaaf Daniels, redPanda Software, says putting in place programmes that upskill and reskill staff in a variety of technological fields is crucial. Photo: Karolina Komendera

The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a fundamental shift in the way we live, work, socialise and communicate with each other. It has been heralded as a new era in human development, facilitated by extraordinary technology advances on a par with those witnessed during the first, second and third industrial revolutions. These advances are seeing the physical, digital and biological worlds merge in ways that bring enormous possibilities and advantages, but certain risks too. And 4IR isn’t about technology-driven change alone; it’s also an opportunity for businesses, leaders, governments and citizens to harness the power of technology to create an inclusive, human-centric future.

Adesh Nathalal, education manager at SAS SA, says that over the past two years, the world of work has undergone a seismic shift, and 4IR technologies are already at play, driven in part by the rise in remote working and the acceleration of digital transformation. “Workers are placing even greater value on work/life balance and requiring the jobs they work at to meet more than just their need for a steady paycheque. For their part, employers are also requiring new skills that infuse their organisations with greater resiliency, adaptability, and competitive advantage.”